Welcome to 40 Days of 3 Questions!
For the next few weeks, meet here every morning with a notebook or document to answer three questions about writing, about your status quo as a writer, or about the writing life. You can answer briefly and go about your day, or you can use this as a warm up exercise before your regular writing schedule. Whatever works for you, works for me.
Day 24 Questions:
- Do you ever feel low or frustrated about the state of your writing career?
- What most recently triggered this feeling?
- Do you have a strategy to deal with discouragement?
You may post answers in comments or keep your thoughts private–your choice!
And here is today’s pretty picture:
Ramona DeFelice Long 
Of course. Yesterday I posted what I thought was an interesting and informative blog about ARCs, and I was going to give away my last ARC to a commenter. NOBODY commented. Sigh. Oh, well. I have enough fans of the series to give it to someone who will love it – and review before release date. So the answer is I find the silver lining and move on. (And grouse to writer friends who understand…;^))
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Writer friends are invaluable. Our TRIBE.
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In this business, anyone who never gets frustrated has to be delusional. It is a business after all, with ups and downs. My latest “low” came when both of my editors left my publisher for other jobs. Thankfully, we’re all still good friends and are staying in touch (thank heavens for Facebook!), but it shook my foundation quite a bit. I remind myself, it’s not the first time I’ve had to change editors, and in this business, it likely won’t be the last. My strategy has always been to have a Plan B and a Plan C (D, E, F?) as well as constantly reminding myself that it is a BUSINESS. Be professional and carry on.
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1.) Do you ever feel low or frustrated about the state of your writing career? I’m a glass half full person, but the ups and downs of a writing career often send me for a loop.
2.) What most recently triggered this feeling? The last event was the loss of my 2nd Publicist. It’s tough to lose someone that is excited to work with you.
3.) Do you have a strategy to deal with discouragement? This is a business and I have skills! I get right back in the saddle and luckily folk who are in publishing share our excitement over books. Heaven!
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I do get low some times, but I also realize those are the days I need to put forth more effort. I feel the most discouraged when I am asked how my book is coming along. Usually reading something I’ve had published helps to encourage me to carry on. Writing can be a lonely life and you are always in your mind where it’s easy to listen to the voice that says, “you can’t do this.” Shut it down. You can do this.
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My path in life has been anything but traditional as woman scientist in the dark ages of men-only science, I have learned to deal with frustrations and setbacks. Oh say for example my PHD advisor told me to go home, find a husband and raise babies! Sooo all of my frustrations as a writer are dealt with by gritting my teeth and forging on.
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Do you ever feel low or frustrated about the state of your writing career? Of course. As Annette said, anybody in this business who doesn’t occasionally get discouraged is delusional.
What most recently triggered this feeling? I received a rejection for the 2018 Bouchercon anthology. A very nice rejection, but a rejection nonetheless.
Do you have a strategy to deal with discouragement? That tribe, the writing community. They *get* it in a way no one else – not even my husband – does. Oh, and chocolate helps. 🙂 Then it’s back to work, reminding myself of how much is going well for me at the current time.
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Sure, I get discouraged every day when I sit in front of my empty computer screen. I deal with it by putting my fingers on the keyboard and making those babies move!!
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Do you ever feel low or frustrated about the state of your writing career? Yes.
What most recently triggered this feeling? Going to the SinC meeting and listening to what everyone has done/is doing.
Do you have a strategy to deal with discouragement? I set a goal for 2018 to either get moving or give it up. So far the “get moving” is winning. To give a boost to my goal, I have a strategy which I hope works. Going to the meetings is part of it, taking classes, reading books and picking one method of getting started with the current project and just getting started. Just start preparation for my story with the guidance I have. I bought a character-creating book that I like and another on writing that seems to have been written just for me! With this year’s classes and these books, I have a different feeling about achieving my goal than it past years. I have a better plan and I’m feeling pretty good so far.
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1. Do you ever feel low or frustrated about the state of your writing career?
Yes, I’ve have some very low points.
2. What most recently triggered this feeling?
The most recent set back was losing my cozy publisher, Berkley Prime Crime. This meant I had to start over in the cozy market. At least this time I have an agent.
3. Do you have a strategy to deal with discouragement?
I complain to my fellow writers, who, as pointed out here, are the people who understand. Also, chocolate, Scotch, and my wonderful therapist.
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